Menu
07/09/2004
Irish hare population shows signs of recovery
The number of Irish Hares recorded in Northern Ireland has increased "significantly", a new survey has revealed.
The survey, carried out for the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) and QUERCUS, the Queen’s University Biodiversity Research Centre, reported a near six-fold increase in population density during Spring 2004 compared to a similar survey in 2002.
Dr John Faulkner, Director of Natural Heritage in EHS, said the findings were welcome news.
“This is very good news for local biodiversity and for the Irish Hare. Everyone with an interest in the countryside will be heartened by the reported increase in Irish Hare numbers," he said.
“However, we must take care when interpreting the 2004 survey. Hares had become remarkably scarce. This is a very positive result – but as the authors point out, does not necessarily indicate a permanent recovery in the population. To be certain that the increase is maintained, we need to continue with the conservation measures in place under the Species Action Plan and carry out further surveys in future years.”
Biologists have been concerned that the long period of low population densities might be a sign of a population under stress and in danger of local extinction. This survey suggests that in favourable conditions, the Irish Hare population has the capacity to increase rapidly from low densities.
Concern for the plight of the Irish Hare prompted EHS to publish an Irish Hare Species Action Plan in 2000 to promote the recovery of the mammal.
(MB/GMCG)
The survey, carried out for the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) and QUERCUS, the Queen’s University Biodiversity Research Centre, reported a near six-fold increase in population density during Spring 2004 compared to a similar survey in 2002.
Dr John Faulkner, Director of Natural Heritage in EHS, said the findings were welcome news.
“This is very good news for local biodiversity and for the Irish Hare. Everyone with an interest in the countryside will be heartened by the reported increase in Irish Hare numbers," he said.
“However, we must take care when interpreting the 2004 survey. Hares had become remarkably scarce. This is a very positive result – but as the authors point out, does not necessarily indicate a permanent recovery in the population. To be certain that the increase is maintained, we need to continue with the conservation measures in place under the Species Action Plan and carry out further surveys in future years.”
Biologists have been concerned that the long period of low population densities might be a sign of a population under stress and in danger of local extinction. This survey suggests that in favourable conditions, the Irish Hare population has the capacity to increase rapidly from low densities.
Concern for the plight of the Irish Hare prompted EHS to publish an Irish Hare Species Action Plan in 2000 to promote the recovery of the mammal.
(MB/GMCG)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 December 2003
Minister imposes ban to protect the Irish hare
NIO Minister, Angela Smith today announced that she has decided to proceed with a temporary ban on the killing, taking, sale or purchase of Irish Hares. The ban, to be introduced by a special protection order under the Game Preservation Act (NI) 1928, will take effect from 19 January 2004 for a period of 12 months.
Minister imposes ban to protect the Irish hare
NIO Minister, Angela Smith today announced that she has decided to proceed with a temporary ban on the killing, taking, sale or purchase of Irish Hares. The ban, to be introduced by a special protection order under the Game Preservation Act (NI) 1928, will take effect from 19 January 2004 for a period of 12 months.
23 March 2006
DoE introduce further protection for Irish hare
The Department of the Environment (DoE) is set to introduce a further temporary ban on the killing, taking and trade in Irish hares. The ban will run for a period starting on April 17 2006 until March 31 2007, as part of a special protection order under the terms of the Game Preservation Act (NI) 1928.
DoE introduce further protection for Irish hare
The Department of the Environment (DoE) is set to introduce a further temporary ban on the killing, taking and trade in Irish hares. The ban will run for a period starting on April 17 2006 until March 31 2007, as part of a special protection order under the terms of the Game Preservation Act (NI) 1928.
14 October 2003
Minister snares hare coursing plans
Plans by a coursing club to net hares for a coursing meet have been snared by NIO Minister, Angela Smith. The application from Dungannon and District Coursing Club was turned down because of the low number of hares in Ireland, the Minister said. “The Irish hare is in danger.
Minister snares hare coursing plans
Plans by a coursing club to net hares for a coursing meet have been snared by NIO Minister, Angela Smith. The application from Dungannon and District Coursing Club was turned down because of the low number of hares in Ireland, the Minister said. “The Irish hare is in danger.
21 February 2012
Irish Mammals Under Serious Threat
Some of Ireland’s oldest inhabitants are facing serious threat and possible extinction because of foreign species, according to researchers at Queen’s University. The red squirrel, Irish hare and red deer are just some of Ireland’s indigenous species which are under threat as a result of the introduction of foreign species.
Irish Mammals Under Serious Threat
Some of Ireland’s oldest inhabitants are facing serious threat and possible extinction because of foreign species, according to researchers at Queen’s University. The red squirrel, Irish hare and red deer are just some of Ireland’s indigenous species which are under threat as a result of the introduction of foreign species.
15 September 2003
League Against Cruel Sports call for end to hare coursing
The League Against Cruel Sports has today launched a campaign to end coursing of the Irish hare in Northern Ireland. Launching the campaign at Malone House Barnett’s Demesne, Belfast, Chief Executive Douglas Batchelor said almost three-quarters of the people of Northern Ireland supported the move.
League Against Cruel Sports call for end to hare coursing
The League Against Cruel Sports has today launched a campaign to end coursing of the Irish hare in Northern Ireland. Launching the campaign at Malone House Barnett’s Demesne, Belfast, Chief Executive Douglas Batchelor said almost three-quarters of the people of Northern Ireland supported the move.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
